Clip device

ABSTRACT

A clip device in the form of a closed strip of springy metal preferably having a generally triangular shape and having four legs, two of which overlap at the base of the triangle, the strip having first and second legs merging together in a bend at the apex of the triangle, and third and fourth overlapping legs at the base of the triangle, all of the legs being perpendicular to the plane of the triangle. The third and fourth legs each have an aperture, and the apertures can be aligned by pressure exerted on the legs to grip a member inserted in the apertures at diametrically opposite portions thereof. The boundary edges of these apertures are preferably tapered. The outer leg at the base of the triangle has projecting portions for contacting a surface to which the clip is bolted and bending to lock the clip in a fixed position. A reverse turn will release the device for easy removal.

baited States Patent Friese, Jr.

[451 Apr. 10, 1973 CLIP DEVICE [76] Inventor: Harrison L. Friese, Jr., 1605 Southeast Twelfth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33316 [22] Filed: Feb. 3, 1971 [21] Appl.No.: 112,301

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 42,751, June 2,

1970, abandoned.

[52] U.S.Cl ..85/36 [51] ..Fl6b 37/02 [58] Field of Search ..85/36; 151/21 A, 151/21 B, 37, 38, 3O

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,898,131 2/1933 Jordan ..85/7 2,385,274 9/1945 l-lammondm. 2,540,759 2/1951 Schneider ..151/37 2,602,526 7/1952 Day et al...- ..85/36 2,634,940 4/1953 Karty ..151/37 7/1966 Roberts etal. ..85/36 7/1945 Ballou ..85/36 [57] ABSTRACT A clip device in the form of a closed strip of springy metal preferably having a generally triangular shape and having four legs, two of which overlap at the base of the triangle, the strip having first and second legs merging together in a bend at the apex of the triangle, and third and fourth overlapping legs at the base of the triangle, all of the legs being perpendicular to the plane of the triangle. The third and fourth legs each have an aperture, and the apertures can be aligned by pressure exerted on the legs to grip a member inserted in the apertures at diametrically opposite portions thereof. The boundary edges of these apertures are preferably tapered. The outer leg at the base of the triangle has projecting portions for contacting a surface to which the clip is bolted and bending to lock the clip in a fixed position. A reverse turn will release the device for easy removal.

7 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PATENTED APR 1 0 I973 SHEET 1 OF 3 40 36 L E-i 4 6 INVENTOR. HARRISON -L. FRIESE JR.

SETTLE 8 OLTMAN ATTY'S PATENTEU APR 1 O [975 SHEET 2 [IF 3 INVENTOR. HARRISON L. FR/ESE JR.

SETTLE a OLTMAN ATTY'S PATENTED @1975 3,726,179

SHEET 3 [IF 3 INVENTOR.

HARRISON L. FRIESE, JR.

SETTLE 8. OLTMAN CLIP DEVICE RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of a copending application Ser. No. 42,751, filed on June 2, 1970, by the present inventor and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Clip devices made of a strip of springy metal have previously been proposed. However, the form of these known clip devices involves some waste of material and does not achieve maximum gripping power per unit length of material.

It is believed that a generally triangular clip device having alignable apertures in base legs thereof will achieve maximum gripping power per unit length of material and thus economize material.

Clip devices of this general type areparticularly useful when clipped onto the threaded shank of a bolt in place of a nut. To exert high gripping action, the metal of the clip should have substantialthickness. However, if the metal is too thick, the edges which actually grip the threadsof the bolt will notenter between threads, so theclip mayslip. Furthermore, the clip will tend to be tilted due to theslant of the threads. Also, no provisions have been made on the known clip devices for locking of the clip in a fixed position and easily releasing it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a clip device which is preferably generally triangular in form and is characterized by high gripping power per unit length of material. The clip has overlapping base legs each having an aperture .therein bounded by an edge. At least a portion of each of these edges is tapered across the thickness thereof to allow the tapered edge to enter threads moreeasily. The apertures may be round or they may have a keyhole shape. Thus, when a threaded member is inserted in the apertures and the gripping action is exerted by the clip, the narrowest diameters of the edges around theapertures enter the threads of the member fully so that the clip cannot easily slip over threads. The clip may act as a nut which can be clipped on and removed from threads very quickly. The outer base leg also has projecting portions for contacting a surface to which the clip is bolted and bending so that the resilience of the outer base leg causes the projecting portions to lock the clip in a fixed position on the bolting member. The clip can easily be released. The projecting portions may take different forms as will be explained.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved clip device of the type made of a strip of springy metal, the clip device have a triangular form which exerts high gripping power per unit length of material.

Another-object of the invention is to provide a clip device with gripping edges capable of entering between threads on a bolt or other threaded member without requiring thinning of the material of the clip.

A further object of the invention is to provide a clip device havinga self-locking action for retaining the clip on a threaded member when it is twisted tight against an adjoining surface.

Other objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a clip device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the clip device being affixed to a bolt;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clip device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the clip device and associated members of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through the apertures of the clip device of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the clip device in a relaxed position;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the gripping edges of the clip device entering the threads of the bolt member;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but showing a modified form of a clip device;

FIG. 8 is another sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but showing a second modified form of the clip device;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a further modification;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing two clip devices used in the manner of turnbuckles;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of a clip device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the clip device being affixed to a bolt;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the clip device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the clip device and associated members of FIG. 1 1;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken.

through the apertures of the clip device of FIGS. 11-13;

FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the same clip device in a relaxed position; and

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view of one keyhole aperture in one of the base legs of the device.

Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology" employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

AS SHOWN ON THE DRAWINGS Referring first to FIGS. 1 through 6 inclusive, the clip device 20 is made of a single strip of springy metal such as stainless steel bent into a triangular form as shown. The clip has first and second legs, 22 and 24, which are straight and unapertured. These two legs merge together in a bend 26 at the apex of the triangle. The clip also includes third and fourth legs 28 and 30 which overlap each other and which respectively merge with legs 22 and 24 at bends 32 and 34 at the base corners of the triangle. All four legs 22, 24, 28 and 30 are perpendicular to the plane of the triangle.

The overlapping legs 28 and 30 respectively have apertures 36 and 38 therein, and these apertures are bounded by edges 40 and 42. In the relaxed condition of the clip as shown in FIG. 5, the centers of the apertures 36 and 38 are offset laterally from each other, but the apertures can be aligned with each other to allow the bolt member 44 to be inserted through the apertures. Then when the clip is released, the edges 40 and 42 press against or grip diametrically opposite portions of the bolt 44 as shown particularly in FIG. 6. FIG. 2 shows the clip in its gripping position, but without the bolt member 44 inserted through the apertures 36 and 38.

FIG. 4 shows portions of the legs 28 and 30 in section. The apertures 36 and 38 are shown in the nearly aligned condition which they have when gripping a member such as bolt 44. It may be seen that the edge 40 of aperture 36 tapers conically, and this taper narrows from the inside of the triangle toward the outer side thereof. Similarly, the edge 42 of aperture 38 tapers, and this taper narrows from the outside of the triangle toward the inner side thereof. There are flat surfaces 46 and 48 at the narrowest diameters of the edges 40 and 42, the flat surfaces cylindrically surround the axis of the apertures. It is the flat surfaces 46 and 48 which actually contact the bolt 44 and enter between the threads of the bolt. As shown in FIG. 6, these narrowest diameter flat surfaces have portions positioned directly opposite each other when the clip is gripping a bolt, so allowing for the slant of the threads on the bolt, these opposite edge portions can grip the bolt at diametrically opposite portions of the bolt. Thus, the clip is not tilted on the bolt.

Due to the tapering of the edges 40 and 42, the narrowest diameter flat edge portions 46 and 48 can enter fully into the threads of the bolt, and this means that the clip device cannot easily be pulled over threads. Thus, the clip will not slip easily off the bolt.

The fourth leg 30 has projecting portions 52 and 54 for contacting the surface of a member 50 to which the clip is bolted. The portions 52 and 54 project outwardly from the triangle. When the clip is screwed on the bolt 44 tight against the surface of member 50, the portions 52 and 54 bend, and the resilience of the leg 30 and the portions 52 and 54 causes the portions 52 and 54 to lock the clip 20 in a fixed position on the bolt 44. The projections provide sharp edges, particularly at the corners, which bite into the adjoining metal. This prevents the outer leg from slipping laterally, so it will not slip over a thread on the bolt. Thus, the clip has a selflocking action for retaining it in place. However, the clip can easily be released by turning it in the reverse direction.

FIG. 7 shows a modified form of the clip device 20. Since the device is almost exactly the same as the device 20 of FIGS. 1 through 6, the same reference nu merals are used for like parts, with additional letter designations being used where appropriate. The only difference of the clip device 20a as compared to clip device 20 is that there are projecting portions 52a and 54a in the fourth leg 30 of clip device 20a which projecting portions are formed or cut from the material directly adjacent the apertures 36 and 38. The projecting portions 52a and 54a are aligned with each other on directly opposite sides of the apertures 36 and 38 and are located approximately at the center of the leg 30.

FIG. 8 shows another modified form of the clip device, this modified form being designated 2%. The clip 20b is also identical to clip 20 except for modifications of the base legs 28b and 30b. It may be seen that the apertures 36b and 38b are recessed inwardly somewhat compared to the corners 32 and 34, and the material at 52b and 54b projects outwardly beyond the apertures 36b and 38b. The projecting portion 52b is at the end of the leg 30b, and the projecting portion 54b is between the aperture 38b and bend 34. These projecting portions 52b and 54b will contact a surface of a member such as member 50 and bend with the leg 30b so that the resilience of the material of the leg locks the clip in place. The leg 28b is also curved to match the curvature of leg 30b. The material at 60b and 62b also projects outwardly to provide further projecting portions to assist in the self-locking action.

FIG. 9 shows a modified form' of the clip 20, this I form being designated 200. The only difference in the clip 200 as compared to clip 20 is that the edges 40 and 42 have been provided with teeth 64 and 66 to further assist in gripping the member such as member 44 which is inserted in the apertures in use.

FIG; 10 shows two of the clip devices 20 attached to a single threaded member 68. The clip devices 20 in FIG. 10 are used as a turnbuckle. Lines 68 and are attached to the apex corners 26 of the two clip devices 20, and the clip devices 20 can be turned to adjust the tension on the lines 68 and 70.

FIGS. 11 through 16 show still another, but no less important, modified form of the clip device, this embodiment being designated 20d. The views in FIGS. 11-15 are very similar to FIGS. 1-5. It may be seen that in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-16, the first and second legs 22d and 24d are bent at 23d and 25d respectively and have portions 27d and 29d which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base legs 30d and 28d respectively. The parallel portions 27d and 29d are easily gripped with the fingers, thus facilitating squeezing of the clip to align the apertures 36d and 38d.

The apertures 36d and 38d each have a keyhole shape as shown in FIG. 16. The edges 40d and 42d about these apertures are tapered only at the narrower portions 46d and 48d thereof since it is only these narrower portions which enter the threads. The edge portions 46d and 48d are on opposite sides of the legs 28d and 30d so that the tapers may be formed on the same side of flat stock.

The projecting portions 52d and 54d are substantially unchanged, but it may be noted that there is an inwardly bent tip 55d at the end of inner leg 28d which rides more easily along the outer leg 30d when the apertures are being moved into alignment.

Also, there is a bent out tab 57d in leg 28d which engages the end of leg 30d when the apertures 36d and 38d are exactly aligned. This prevents the base legs al, and exerts relatively great gripping action per unit length of material. The apertures in the overlapping legs have tapered edges to facilitate entry of the edges into threads of a member to which the clip device is attached. Projections are provided on the outer leg for exerting a locking action. The clip device can be manufactured economically on a high volume basis.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A clip device comprising a one-piece generally triangular strip of springy material having at least four legs, two of which overlap at the base of the triangle, said strip having first and second legs merging together in a bend at the apex of the triangle, and third and fourth overlapping legs forming the base of said triangle, each of said legs being perpendicular to the plane of the triangle, said third and fourth legs respectively having apertures therein each bounded by an edge of the leg, said third leg being on the inside of said fourth leg, with the aperture of said third leg having the boundary edge thereof tapered and narrowing from one side to the other side thereof and the aperture of the fourth leg having the boundary edge thereof tapered and narrowing from one side to the other side thereof to form narrow edges capable of insertion between threads, the centers of said apertures normally being offset laterally from each other but alignable by pressure on said legs for relatively moving the same to position the narrowest diameters of said apertures substantially directly opposite each other'to grip firmly a threaded member inserted in said apertures at diametrically opposite portions thereof, said fourth leg having portions projecting outwardly from the center of said device relative to other portions thereof for contacting a surface perpendicular to said member inserted in said aperture to bend said projecting portions, with the resilience of said fourth leg causing said projecting portions to lock said strip in a fixed position on said member, said device being releasable from said locked condition by a reverse turning action on the threads of said member, and said third leg having an inwardly bent tip riding on said fourth leg to facilitate relative movement of said third and fourth legs.

2. The clip as claimed in claim 1 in which said boundary edges of said apertures have at the narrowest diameter thereof a sharpened curved surface about the axis of the respective aperture.

3. The clip device as claimed in claim 1 in which said boundary edges of said apertures have a keyhole shape, with the tapering existing only at the narrow portion of the keyhole.

4. The device as claimed in claim 3 in which said third leg has an outward projection engageable with a tip portion of said fourth leg when said apertures are aligned for preventing further closing movement of said third and fourth legs.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4 in which said apex has an aperture therein to receive said threaded member.

6. The device as claimed in claim 4 in which the narrowest diameter of said first and second named apertures abut against each other.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6 including fifth and sixth parallel legs merging with said third and fourth legs at base corners of the triangle and merging 

1. A clip device comprising a one-piece generally triangular strip of springy material having at least four legs, two of which overlap at the base of the triangle, said strip having first and second legs merging together in a bend at the apex of the triangle, and third and fourth overlapping legs forming the base of said triangle, each of said legs being perpendicular to the plane of the triangle, said third and fourth legs respectively having apertures therein each bounded by an edge of the leg, said third leg being on the inside of said fourth leg, with the aperture of said third leg having the boundary edge thereof tapered and narrowing from one side to the other side thereof and the aperture of the fourth leg having the boundary edge thereof tapered and narrowing from one side to the other side thereof to form narrow edges capable of insertion between threads, the centers of said apertures normally being offset laterally from each other but alignable by pressure on said legs for relatively moving the same to position the narrowest diameters of said apertures substantially directly opposite each other to grip firmly a threaded member inserted in said apertures at diametrically opposite portions thereof, said fourth leg having portions projecting outwardly from the center of said device relative to other portions thereof for contacting a surface perpendicular to said member inserted in said aperture to bend said projecting portions, with the resilience of said fourth leg causing said projecting portions to lock said strip in a fixed position on said member, said device being releasable from said locked condition by a reverse turning action on the threads of said member, and said third leg having an inwardly bent tip riding on said fourth leg to facilitate relative movement of said third and fourth legs.
 2. The clip as claimed in claim 1 in which said boundary edges of said apertures have at the narrowest diameter thereof a sharpened curved surface about the axis of the respective aperture.
 3. The clip device as claimed in claim 1 in which said boundary edges of said apertures have a keyhole shape, with the tapering existing only at the narrow portion of the keyhole.
 4. The device as claimed in claim 3 in which said third leg has an outward projection engageable with a tip portion of said fourth leg when said apertures are aligned for preventing further closing movement of said third and fourth legs.
 5. The device as claimed in claim 4 in which said apex has an aperture therein to receive said threaded member.
 6. The device as claimed in claim 4 in which the narrowest diameter of said first and second named apertures abut against each other.
 7. The device as claimed in claim 6 including fifth and sixth parallel legs merging with said third and fourth legs at base corners of the triangle and merging with said first and second legs above said base corners. 